Remember Rebecca? A look at one of the most intriguing moments in steelband history - Panorama 1983 - Forum

Replies

Salah Wilson August 19, 2010 at 10:08am

Yes Eustace and Glenroy, no one will ever dispute the Genius of Mr. Clive Bradley, but like wise neither the genius works of Boogsie, Smooth, Ray and Jit ...and others.....In the end we just have to be grateful and enjoy these classics of Panorama whether we participated as a player or listener. the best song on that night does not always win...the Jammer of which I was fortunate to participate as a player was also a classic but everyone who was there knows that Despers was not well organized that night. .....Glenroy I have read some of your views on the Panorama competition itself.....only thing I could add is that The competition does bring out elements of greater interest and hype for players and spectators similar to that of the Olympics or World Cup.
- Rico John > Salah Wilson August 24, 2010 at 12:13pm
  
  Greetings all, I beg your indulgence for a minute. This was a very nice discussion, and look forward to many more like it. I do remember North Stars' and cavalier's 'Mama dis is Mas'; and City Symphony's 'Licks in 66' and what about Blue Diamond's 'Mr Carnival.....just mentioning. Still I want to mention or remind people about I champion-Robbie Greenidge. Thanks for your indulgence. Love and Kindness to all I fellow Pan-People. Ras Rico I Ras Tafari.
- Glenroy R Joseph > Salah Wilson August 19, 2010 at 10:36am
  
  Yes, I guess I'll have to agree with the sentiment expressed, that the competition brings out the best in the players and arrangers, as it does in any major competitive event.
  
  Judging art, however , be it music, dance, or any other art form is subjective; unlike sports , where there are clear cut winners and losers.
  
  Therefore, judges decisions will sometimes be flawed, and will always be disputed.
Glenroy R Joseph August 19, 2010 at 7:40am

This is why we have mixed feelings about the competition. There are so many memories and emotions tied up in the Panorama and they remain forever, even the pain and heartbreaks.

I've seen grown men weep like babies after loosing out in the competition.

Ironically, though Despers "Rebecca" is a classic, it was the All Stars version that hooked me at the time.

After going down the drag and across the stage with them that year, Trinidad All Stars forever became my number one band.

I wasn't present for the finals, but at the time I thought All Stars version was it.

Salah Wilson is correct. There is so much more to the Panorama experience than the judges scorecard.

Steelband performances at that level are so powerfull, they create lifetime memories for players and fans alike,and I've been fortunate to have experienced Panorama as both

I still wonder, though if the judging on the Final Night is necessary, instead of it just being an all out celebration of Sweet Pan.
- ed cee > Glenroy R Joseph August 20, 2010 at 1:17am
  
  That I would love to see Glenroy. But, I guess the sharks may not get a bite from the coffers of the night, if you catch my drift. I hear both you and Salah and am very enthused by the commentary on "Rebecca". My singular recollection of the piece was at the panyard one night during a practice session. Iron man Bradshaw., now deceased, approached me while I was listening to Bradley's work and asked what I thought. I, in return, told him that he was asking me answers, so impressed was I with what I was hearing. When the same thing happened the following year, this time with Dr. Rat's approach about "Sweet Pan", I began to wonder whether I was a guru or something. Mind you, it happened again in 1985 when I told someone that both Despers and Renegades would have tied for first that night. The guy told me I was mad. I say, put aside the competition, look at the music and all its interwoven rhythms, see it for what it is, and also what it does to you. I guarantee you that people will suddenly begin to unearth many great pieces from panoramas past. Out of the closet will come stunning arrangements that died on the night because another band was given the light of day.
- Bugs > Glenroy R Joseph August 19, 2010 at 1:25pm
  
  But Glenroy, there is nothing like the thrill of a panorama victory. And there is nothing like the pain of a panorama loss. I wouldn't change a thing. It has made us better.
  
  bugs
  - Glenroy R Joseph > Bugs August 19, 2010 at 3:52pm
    
    Can't argue with that, Bugs.You're right.
    
    And the experience lasts a lifetime,
Ian Franklin August 18, 2010 at 6:59pm

Hello Salah,
Thanks for sharing your exploits with Charlo and Despers. I am not opening a can of worms, but I cannot understand how does a tune seem to be great to most pan people, but not great as far as the judges are concerned.
In 1983, Desperadoes won the Panorama by three points, but in 1984 Renegades won by 17.5 points. No one talks about how great Renegades' performance of "Sweet Pan" was. Just some food for thought (lol)
Also, after reading Dalton Narine's review of Desperadoes 1983 performance of Rebecca, the band is featured with their 1999 performance at the, "Tribute to all the Panorama Champions." which does not do any justice to the band's 1983 live performance of Rebecca. More food for thought. (lol)
Love, Peace and Pan,
Ian
- Salah Wilson > Ian Franklin August 19, 2010 at 1:37am
  
  Hi Ian,
  I hear and understand what you are saying, ....but sometimes it is not just by how many points a band wins, but the night in question when it happens...the hype , the jam, so many factors and of course every one's own particular experience....whenever I think of my experience with Despers a smile just comes to my face like right now. I have been asked by WST to share in detail that experience and I think I will. What I have written was a mere short summary of a beautiful experience but there is a lot more. ...and I still feel for the band and would love to see it get back at the top...the top of the Panorama and the top of the Hill (LOL)
  - Ian Franklin > Salah Wilson August 21, 2010 at 9:47pm
    
    Hello Salah,
    I may be the only one who is still proud of Desperadoes "failures" from 2001 to 2010.
    Although they have not been to the winners podium in 10 attempts, the band has never hit rock bottom.
    Maybe, I will become concerned after the 2015 Panorama results. Can you get into my head? (lol)
    Desperadoes is still the top Steel Orchestra. No! I did not say best, because the panorama has now become the benchmark for "BEST". Just some trivia for the pan buffs: Desperadoes has been to the Panorama finals the most (44) of 47, has the most top three's (22), was a finalist only five times at Classical Competitions but won all (5), has won every competition entered, and is still an entertaining Steel Orchestra at any function today. How many times the band has won Panorama is not important now, but did I mention they have the highest winning ratio, 1: 4.7. (Yes! I also like crunching numbers. (lol)

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